Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Birth Control adn Depression

Question:

I have been on the depo shot for five monthes it has made me have serious mood swings and some depression and has also made me have a continuios period. Should I switch to a new birth control?

Answer:

I certainly cannot answer whether you should switch to a new birth control method -- you should discuss that with your health care provider. But, it is known that the irregular, sometimes heavy, sometimes frequent bleeding that comes with depo-provera, rarely lasts much past the first 6 months of use.

All hormonal methods of birth control, including depo-provera, can affect moods. It is rarely serious, and not very common with depo-provera, but can occur. Of course, depression is very common, and can occur just coincidentally with being on birth control. I would suggest that you discuss these issues with your health care provider to find out if you have developed depression secondary to the depo-provera before you make your decision.

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